Best Ankle Supports for Football 2024

8 January 2024

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If you play football, you know how important it is that your ankles stay fully supported. Few sports involve such quick twisting and turning motions as football does, and this can cause a great deal of strain on the ankles. These erratic motions are especially dangerous because they increase the likelihood of reinjury in the future, leaving you out of action once again.

This guide takes an in-depth look at the Best Ankle Braces for Football 2024. How do we know they're the best? Our own in-house product specialists collaborated with ankle support experts from the top sports brace brands in the world, to put together this list of the best bracing options for football. Not only that, we also spoke to our past customers who told us that these braces have helped them make a quick return to full match fitness.

What will this guide cover?

We'll start by introducing you to the braces we've selected as the best for football. Then, once we've done that, we'll provide some extra advice to ensure you're as informed as possible before making your decision. Use the quick links below to go straight to what you're looking for.

Our Best Ankle Braces for Football

Best Overall Ankle Brace for Football
Best Football Ankle Support for Sprains
Best Football Ankle Support for Achilles Tendonitis
Best Football Ankle Support for Tendonitis and PTTD
Best Football Ankle Brace for Arthritis

Additional Information

Three things to look for when choosing a brace

Our Best Overall Ankle Support for Football

Aircast A60 Ankle Brace

How it works...

Integrated stabiliser prevents the ankle from rolling
Low-bulk design slips easily inside football boots and trainers
Quick and easy application with a secure single fastening strap
Breath-O-Prene material ensures breathable comfort

Ideal for...

Sprains, fractures and arthritis
Returning from injury

Not the best for...

Cushioning against impacts (see our solution...)

Why we picked it...

Worn by global sports superstars like Andy Murray and Rory Mcllroy, the Aircast A60 Ankle Brace has made a name for itself as one of the most popular and trusted ankle braces on the market. The design utilises a moulded stabiliser that prevents your ankle from rolling over sideways as you dash down the line. What makes it so perfect for football is that it causes no forward or backward movement restriction, which gives your foot full power for crosses, clearances and 30-yard screamers.

After struggling with a weak ankle for many years and trying various supports I tried the Aircast A60. This has made an amazing difference to my ankle. I play walking football twice a week now without any problems. A superb product.

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Best Football Ankle Support for Sprains

Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace

How it works...

Semi-rigid shell offers flexible support to prevent inversion
Foam-filled air cells cushions the ankle and protects it from knocks
Integrated forefoot and shin wraps provide adjustable support
Step-in design makes for quick and seamless application

Ideal for...

Cushioning impacts
Mild sprains, ligament lesions and instability

Not the best for...

Breathability (see our solution...)

Why we picked it...

The Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace is designed with the express goal of helping injured athletes return to action, and it achieves this goal with mastery. Its semi-rigid shell provides flexible support that stabilises your ankle without causing restriction, and two foam-filled air cells act as a barrier to cushion impacts from bad challenges on the football pitch.

I have had a number of ankle braces (40 years of amateur football) and this is by far the best. Great support, easy to wear, no rubbing. Well, I am 57 and still playing, so that's got to be a solid recommendation!

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Best Football Ankle Brace for Achilles Tendinitis

Ultimate Performance Ultimate Achilles Tendon Support

How it works...

Prevents early heel rise to reduce strain on the tendon
Applies compression directly across the tendon to ease pain
Soft padding is comfortable to wear for extended periods
Adjustable strap provides a tailored fit and compression

Ideal for...

Achilles tendinitis
Weak tendons

Not the best for...

Rollover prevention (see our solution...)

Why we picked it...

Achilles tendinitis is a condition that causes the band of tissue at the back of the ankle to become strained and weak, usually as a result of overuse in sports. A common curse for footballers, Achilles tendonitis can be treated by applying pressure directly across the tendon to ease pain and tension. The Ultimate Performance Achilles Tendon Support is designed for this exact purpose, with a simple tube design that delivers compression exactly where it's needed.

This is actually my second purchase having mislaid (but now found) my original purchase. I suffer with Achilles tendonitis which flares up at times and with this support I can carry on running . - it gives me the support on my ankle which also gives me a confidence as without it my ankle can feel vulnerable. Have tried other support but this is the only one that has enabled me to carry on running.

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Best Football Ankle Support for Tendinitis and PTTD

BioSkin TriLok Ankle Ligaments Support

How it works...

Unique FootLok straps pull weak ligaments towards the centre of the foot
Tight-fit compression helps to gradually relive pain and tension
Removable twin-straps can be altered to combat different ankle issues
Lightweight design slips easily inside football boots and trainers

Ideal for...

PTTD and tendon injuries
Arthritis and plantar fasciitis

Not the best for...

Easy application (see our solution...)

Why we picked it...

Designed to function like an extra ligament, the BioSkin TriLok Brace can be used to tackle a wide range of conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). Its use of premium materials ensure high-quality comfort and protection, while its many adjustable features makes it a truly versatile support.

From Beagle Orthotics: "The TriLok Ankle Brace is a slim fit design consisting of 3 components; TriLok Undersleeve, Stirrup strap and FootLok strap, which mimics the natural tendons in the foot to secure the ankle and allow for a safe range of motion. The TriLok is an easy, effective way to relieve the debilitating pain caused by plantar fasciitis and PTTD and also provides unrivalled protection."

Gives back full confidence in the strength of my ankle. My expectations were to allow me to start light exercising, but on the first use the support gave me full belief I could push to higher limits without concern. Very impressed.

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Best Football Ankle Support for Arthritis

Ossur Form Fit Pro Ankle Compression Sleeve

How it works...

Hybrid soft support and ankle stirrup provides effective support
Optional figure of eight lacing system ensures optimal support
Provides 20 - 35% more protection than traditional stirrup
Speed-laced design provides a quick and easy fit

Ideal for...

Arthritis
Sprains and tendonitis

Not the best for...

Tendinitis (see our solution...)

Why we picked it...

The Ossur Form Fit Ankle Brace is a one of a kind support that combines the rigidity of a stirrup with the gentle compression of a traditional sleeve, resulting in high-level protection and pain relief. This makes it perfect for those with arthritis, as the compression helps to alleviate pain while the stability prevents the ankle from rolling.

This brace is the same as I have used for years with great success. I moved house and lost my supplier. At last after a long search I have found Health and Care and been reunited again with the brace. I am delighted.

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Three things to look for when choosing a brace

Now that you've taken a look at the best ankle supports for football, we'll break down what sets them apart from the rest. The fact is, when it comes to football, most ankle supports just aren't designed properly. Some are uncomfortable in your shoes, some are unwieldy and complicated, and others are so bulky that they can ruin your first touch and kill off your game. After comparing countless ankle braces, we discovered the three things to look for when choosing a football brace. They are as follows:

1) Support

Ankle supports are no good if they're not, well, supportive. For football, you need one with good rollover protection to help stop you rolling your ankle. Rolling your ankle is the most common cause of ankle injury in football, so your support needs to stop excessive pronation (where your foot rolls inwards) and supination (where your foot rolls outwards).

2) Low-Bulk

When most footballers think of what they need in an ankle support, a low-bulk and slim brace is what comes to mind. Bulky ankle braces will not only ruin the fit of your favourite football boots, they'll likely ruin your first touch too. Over the years you've learned how to use your foot to control the ball, so the last thing you want is to have to contend with new contours, sharp edges and excessive padding when trying to bring the ball down.

3) Comfort

While this point is similar to the previous point, here we're focusing on materials and breathability. If your ankle brace is built for football, it should feature flexible stays that provide support on either side, without having any rigid, unnecessary bulk to it. These supportive stays allow football ankle supports to be made with cool, breathable materials that let you move freely in comfort.

Get your footballing ankle brace today

Now that you've seen some of our favourite ankle braces, it's time to make a decision for yourself. Weigh up your needs, your style of play, and your budget, and ensure your ankles are properly supported. If you're still not convinced, you can check out our entire range of football ankle supports by clicking here.

Have any questions about our braces, or want help deciding which one is for you? Don't hesitate to leave us a comment, or contact us on Facebook and Twitter!

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